West Allis planning staff proposes raising accessory building cap from 150 to 300 square feet

City planning staff presented an ordinance proposal to the West Allis Common Council to raise the maximum allowed size for residential accessory buildings (sheds) from 150 square feet to 300 square feet.

Steve Scherer, director of city planning and zoning, said staff reviewed Board of Appeals requests and compared West Allis rules with nearby communities. He told the council Oak Creek allows up to 400 square feet, Greenfield 250 square feet and Wauwatosa uses a percentage-of-lot rule (typically 12%). Scherer said the ordinance would allow more flexibility for larger lots while capping accessory buildings at 300 square feet and leaving all existing setback requirements unchanged.

Council members asked clarifying questions. Alderman Grisham asked how many accessory structures are permitted on a lot; Scherer replied that only one accessory structure (for example a shed or gazebo) is allowed per property. Alderman Haas sought confirmation about combinations (shed plus gazebo); Scherer reiterated the one-per-property rule based on current code.

Scherer said the Planning Commission recommended approval and that notices were published; no objections were reported in the transcript. The council closed the related public hearing; the transcript does not record a final vote on the ordinance that evening.

Clarifying details from the record: proposed new maximum 300 square feet (from 150); Oak Creek 400 sq. ft., Greenfield 250 sq. ft., Wauwatosa based on lot percentage (about 12%); only one accessory structure allowed per property. The ordinance would maintain existing setback rules.

The council may take further action on the ordinance at a subsequent meeting; the Planning Commission conditions and comparative data are on the public record.